Andrejs Strebkovs, a 43-year-old chess player from Latvia, has been suspended by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for five years due to multiple instances of sexual harassment.
Strebkovs was found guilty of harassing dozens of female chess players, including minors, over a span of ten years. He sent them obscene letters, used condoms, and insulted women on online forums.
FIDE's decision came in response to a complaint filed in May 2024, following an investigation by journalists and police that began in February 2022.
While Strebkovs admitted guilt in one incident from 2021, the Latvian police closed their criminal case against him, stating that his actions did not constitute a crime under Latvian law.
Chess player Alina Bivol, who was a victim of the harassment, expressed satisfaction with FIDE's ruling but noted that she hoped for a harsher punishment for Strebkovs' actions.
During the entire duration of his suspension, Strebkovs is prohibited from participating in FIDE tournaments as a player, as well as attending any events organized by FIDE.
